Title: A Chlex Story

Author: MitchPell

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with Smallville, it's characters, DC comics, or the WB. I'm just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun. Nor do I own any of the poems. They all belong to their respective authors and publishers or whatever.

Authors Notes: My thanks go out to Adri, the best Beta Reader in the whole wide world, and the one who has helped me since the get go!!! And thanks to Sarah, another new beta who I'm testing out! First off, let me apologize for that little note I sent out! I was feeling particularly needy at that time, mostly due to circumstances in my real life. So, I apologize. Well, after much debating I've decided to post what I have written. Just so you know, this isn't all I'm going to do with Kinetic. I have a ton more planned, but if I made you guys wait until I had it all written it would be weeks before I posted. So, I'm posting these first 15 pages. This is taking place during Kinetic. As if you guys wouldn't have figured that out! I've totally cut back this section, so if you are lost just take a look at my previous author's notes. I'm going to be using any and all spoilers, so read at your own risk. This story is going to be a long one. I already know that it is going to span the course of 7 years, and probably longer. I appreciate any and all feedback. Tell me whatever you think: the good, the bad, the ok, the grammar errors, etc. Trust me, I need the help!!

Summary: Lex and Chloe just seem right for each other. I don't know why, they just do.

Email: mitchpell@yahoo.com

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Adri: Again, I can't thank you enough for all you do! LOL! And thanks for helping me to decide whether or not to post. Even if you gave a 'yes' simply because you didn't want to have to beta 28-30 pages in one sitting! LOL! You rule!

Sarah: Wow! Thanks for agreeing to sign for this project! It's always nice to have another person's perspective! Thanks for the help!

RedWitch: LOL! You are so welcome! I thought you would like that Gabby/Chloe conversation! Hehehe! I'm so thrilled you think so much of my work. It puts this hug smile on my face! I'm glad to know that you think my work is improving. Because that is one of the things I'm always looking do to. Improve my writing, and have been characterization. It is tough, but I try. Whew! It's good to know that you like the chapters without a lot of Chlex. I always worry about that. Oh, and about that note. Just let me apologize. I was feeling rather needy at the time due to circumstances in my real life. Sorry. Thanks again for the awesome review! I hope you enjoy this next segment!

Merrie: Wow! Thanks so much for the praise! I can feel my head swelling! LOL! And it doesn't matter how many times you tell me how much you like the story, because I love to hear it! I'm glad you are enjoying it so much, and that I can keep you anticipating what will happen next. I can't wait for Zero either! I hope you think it will be a good one! Yeah, the Zero chapter is getting pushed back a little, because I've decided to break up Kinetic into about three parts. So, I hope you can wait! Thanks again for the review! I really appreciate it!

Queen of Tact: LOL! You know how sometimes you wish you can go back in time and take back something you said? Well, that's what I'm feeling right now. Especially in regards to that little note I put up. Ugh! Please forgive me! I was just feeling very needy because of circumstances in my real life. But, thanks for coming back and reviewing! I really appreciate it! And I'm glad you still love the story! It means a lot to me! Thanks again!

Gerb: LOL! Yes he does! And the sad part is that I'm not just making this stuff up! It actually happens in the episodes! Hehehe! I just add to it by giving him cancer! LOL! Sorry about the wait on this chapter, I hope you enjoy it! And thanks again for the review!

Delaney: Yes! I finally delivered on the Chlex! Woo-hoo! Unfortunately, there isn't much in this chapter. I know this might be getting annoying, but please hang in there. I swear to you that they will end up being together, well before the end. Thanks again for the review!

jo: Sorry it takes me so long to post. I write as quickly as I can, but it takes me awhile. Thanks for nagging; it shows how much you're enjoying the story! Thanks again for the review!

Beck: Thanks! I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!

Gnome: LOL! Cool! Thanks for the link! I've heard of Naughty-Seduction, but I've never been there before. But I started posting this story there today. I already have the first five chapters up! I'm glad you like my story! And don't worry, the longer the post the better! Thanks again for the review! I hope you like what comes next!

jonoso1016: LOL! I'm glad you're enjoying it! LOL! No, I don't plan on straying too much from the episodes. But I don't need to. I just plan on filling in the gaps with Chlex time. I know it doesn't seem like this now, but trust me things will start to heat up. As for your other question, yes I envision them having/sharing romantic feelings for one another while she's in high school. I don't usually like to give out spoilers. But I think a lot of people are getting anxious and I want to calm your fears. Yes, they will fall in love! And yes, it will be while Chloe is in high school. So, there you go. You have been spoiled as much as I'm willing to spoil you! Thanks for the review! I'm glad you are still enjoying the story!

BrightStar: Thanks! I'm glad you like the story and the direction I'm taking it! Thanks again for the review!

veebee: LOL! Sorry about that! I update as quickly as I can! Thanks for the review!

Stephanie: LOL! Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and that you find it realistic! LOL! Everyone is starting to get antsy about when these two will hook up. So, you're not alone. But don't worry the romance will come. Trust me. In fact, most of the fic will occur with them as a couple. So, that's just a small indication of how much more is to come!

hotpepperlopez: Thanks for the review! Sorry, if it seemed that it was forced from you. That wasn't my intention. I was feeling particularly needy at the time, mostly because of stuff that was happening in my real life. So, I just needed some extra support. So, I'm sorry about that. You do make a lot of valid points though. I know I don't update enough. But I am busy, and I know that other authors are just as busy as me. And I salute them, but I just can't write that fast. And I know that the action is slow to come. But I have the whole story mapped out just the way I want it to go. Again, thank you so much for sharing your honest opinions. I really do appreciate it. And please, don't ever feel pressured to review. I love to read each and every one of them. But I want them to come because you want to review, not because you feel forced. Thanks again!

redblaze: Wow! Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad you like it! And thanks for the review!

Becky621: Thanks! I'm glad you like it! And I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Thanks for the review!

Sabby: LOL! Really! Wow! That's kind of cool! But no, I'm not from Germany. I'm from the United States. I'm just a very slow writer! LOL! I'm glad you like the story! And thanks again for the review.

beanie: Thanks! I'm glad you like the story! Yeah, Lex is starting to feel something. But as he's said in the story, the circumstances aren't right. But that will change of course! I can't tell you if or when Chloe finds out about his illness. Sorry, but I can't. Yeah, Clark gets on my nerves too. But alas, he'll never realize how great Chloe is. *Sighs* But that's what Lex is for! Woo-hoo! Thanks again for the review.

Michelle: You would have guessed correctly my friend. Yes, you will get more Chlex! Unfortunately, not in this chapter exactly, but it will be there in the next Kinetic chapter! So, hang in there! And thanks again for the review!

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Chapter 14

Chloe looked herself over in her bedroom mirror one more time, satisfied with her businesslike appearance. Tonight, after having to wait a whole week while he took care of business in Metropolis, was her interview with Lex. In a way, she was almost glad she'd had that long to think about it. It had given her more time to think of the questions she was going to ask.

It had been difficult to decide what she was going to ask him. There was so much she wanted to know about what was going on at the Plant. Such as, if there were any more projects going on like Level Three. She wanted to delve into his past, and the reason he was exiled to Smallville. But Lex was her friend. And she was afraid that if she grilled him to hard, she'd lose something she'd just acquired. She'd agonized over her dilemma for an entire week. Finally deciding that Lex would understand that she had to take this interview for what it was, a great opportunity for a young and aspiring journalist. So, she'd made up her question list and coerced Clark into being her cameraman, officially prepared to take on one of the least interviewed men in the public domain.

"Alright, Sullivan." She told her reflection. "Just remember, you're a journalist tonight not Lex's friend." She let out a big sigh. "Right." She whispered, before grabbing her bag and camera case and heading downstairs. "Ok, Dad, I'm heading over to the mansion now." She called into the living room were her dad was watching the five o'clock news.

"Alright, Sweetheart." Gabe replied without turning from were he was sitting on the couch. "Good luck with your interview." He told her. "And don't forget not to get me fired." He added teasingly.

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Bye, Dad." She said with non-committal annoyance before heading out the front door to her car. She tossed her bag and camera in the backseat then climbed in behind the wheel. She backed out of her short driveway, gave a quick honk of her horn then drove off towards Clark's house.

It didn't take long before she was pulling up to the Kent's house. After killing the engine, Chloe jumped out of her car and headed up to the front door. She knocked on the door then stepped back to wait for someone to answer. She grinned as Mr. Kent pushed open the door and looked down at her. "Hi, Mr. Kent." Chloe greeted. "Is Clark ready?"

Jonathan gestured for her to come in as he said, "He should be down in a minute." He waited until she had entered before closing the door. "So," he said. "I heard you two are interviewing Lex tonight."

"Well, you heard correctly." Chloe replied.

"How did you manage that?" Martha asked as she emerged from the kitchen. "I didn't think Lex gave interviews."

Chloe shrugged. "I haven't really thought about it." She told Martha. "You know. I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth or anything." She heard the thud of feet and looked up to see Clark trotting down the stairs. She took in his flannel shirt and worn jeans and frowned. "Geez, Clark. I thought you'd at least try to look somewhat professional." Chloe commented, her disappointment evident in her voice.

Clark shrugged. "You're the one who's going to be on camera, not me." He replied. "Besides, I don't think Lex'll care."

"He might not, Clark, but I do." Chloe practically snapped. She sighed both in defeat and frustration. "You know, just forget it and let's just go." With that she turned and headed out the door, calling a quick goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Kent.

"Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad." Clark told his parents before following Chloe out of the house. "What was all that about?" He asked as he jogged to catch up with her.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Clark." She snapped, not stopping her retreat to her car to look at him.

"Chloe." Clark pleaded as he stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

Chloe turned to face him. "You know, Clark. I know that you don't want to be a journalist, and that this isn't that important to you. But it's important to me. And I thought you would take this a little more seriously because of that."

"I'm sorry." He said. "Do you want me to go and change?" He asked.

Chloe shook her head. "No, if we waited for you to do that, we'd be late. And I'd rather have an unprofessional looking cameraman than be late." She replied. "So let's just go."

Clark nodded before joining her in the car.

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Lex was in the middle of getting dressed after a shower when there was a knock at his door. "Come in." He called as he started buttoning his gray silk shirt.

"Sir." Jackson, one of Lex's bodyguards, said as he came into the room. "Miss. Sullivan and Mr. Kent are here."

Lex nodded. "Show them to the library's third level. We'll have the interview there."

"Yes, Sir." Jackson replied, before moving to leave. However, he caught site of something out of the corner of his eye.

Lex could still feel eyes on him and looked up at his bodyguard. He followed the man's gaze to where it was resting on the lumen of his catheter that were still visible from his not-completely-buttoned shirt. Lex cleared his throat, gaining Jackson's attention. "Is there anything else, Jackson?" He asked.

"No, Sir." Jackson answered before slipping out the door.

Lex sighed as he watched the man leave, deciding to forgive him for starring at the catheter that was once again protruding from Lex's right chest. Though his security was well aware of his illness, they weren't really affected by it. They didn't see him when he was confined to his bed. And though it didn't excuse his tactlessness, Lex wasn't going to make a fuss about Jackson being drawn to his newly replaced central line.

He quickly finished getting dressed before heading upstairs to the section of the library he expected to find his guests in. He entered the room and found Chloe sitting on the couch beside the desk that was in the room and Clark setting up a camera. And as he assessed the scene he knew instantly that this wasn't going to be a friendly affair; that Chloe intended on treating this in a professional matter. He let out a barely audible sigh before making his presence known. "I wasn't aware that the Torch had a broadcast network." He commented as he made his way further into the room.

Chloe smiled at him. "It doesn't." She replied, as she stood up. "But depending on how things go this evening, this interview might not be limited to only the Torch's readers."

Lex raised an eyebrow at the young woman. "I believe it's customary to gain the interviewee's consent before doing such things, Miss Sullivan."

"Well, do I have your consent, Mr. Luthor?" She asked.

Lex shrugged his shoulders. "It depends on how things go this evening. But yes, you may videotape the interview." He told her.

"Thank you." Chloe replied.

"Not a problem." He said then gestured back to the couch. "Please, sit down." He waited for Chloe to sit before circling the glass desk and sitting behind it. After he was seated, Lex glanced at the room's other occupant and had to suppress a chuckle when he saw Clark gapping at them like a fish out of water. "You ok, Clark?" He asked, barely able to keep the amusement out of his voice.

"Y-yeah." Clark stuttered, before regaining his composer. "I'm fine."

"Are you almost ready, Clark?" Chloe asked.

"Almost." Clark replied as he went back to setting up the camera.

"Is there anything I can get either of you, before we get started?" Lex asked.

"No, thank you." Chloe answered.

"Clark?" Lex asked.

"I'm fine, thanks." Clark said, as he continued to toy with the camera. "There!" He announced a few seconds later. "All set."

Chloe waited as Clark sat down beside her before turning back to Lex. "Mr. Luthor." She began. "Are there any more secret construction projects going on at LuthorCorp such as Level Three?" She asked, deciding to start off with the big guns.

"Wait!" Clark exclaimed as he jumped up off the couch and moved back over to the camera.

Chloe sighed. Thanks a lot, Clark, she thought, mentally cursing him for giving Lex time to come up with a way to dodge her question. If he ruined this for her, she was going to be seriously upset with him. And she hoped he knew that. "Are you ready now, Clark?" She asked, not bothering to hide her annoyance.

"Yeah." Clark replied. "I forgot to press the record button, sorry."

Lex had to bit his lip to keep from laughing. He knew this was important to Chloe, and he didn't want to join Clark in the doghouse by upsetting her. Therefore, he quickly sobered his expression before turning to face her.

"So, Mr. Luthor." Chloe asked again. "Are there any more secret construction projects going on at LuthorCorp like Level Three?"

"Please, call me Lex." He insisted.

"Ok, Lex." Chloe replied. "Are you going to answer my question?"

"Chloe!" Clark admonished.

"What?" She demanded. She was seriously starting to wish that she'd just come without Clark.

"It's ok, Clark." Lex assured his friend. "Our critics are our friends; they show us our faults."

"Benjamin Franklin." Chloe said, a warm feeling creeping into her stomach at Lex's impressed and slightly surprised look. She was just about to reiterate her question when someone cleared their throat, successfully interrupting them.

"Excuse me, Mr. Luthor." Jackson said as he entered the room. "Your father's on the phone."

"I need to get this." Lex told Chloe before turning back to Jackson. "I'll take it in the conservatory." He said then leaned over and smiled at the young reporter. "I look forward to resuming our verbal judo." He smirked at her satisfied smile then got up and left the room.

Chloe couldn't help but smile. For if she wasn't mistaken Lex Luthor had just been flirting with her, not so much in what he said but definitely in the manner in which he said it. And even though she wasn't attracted to Lex, it was still nice to flirt. Especially since the object of her affection was so terribly oblivious. She let out a sigh as she pushed herself off the couch to wonder around the room. "Do you think he's really taking a call, or just trying to avoid me?" She asked, before an idea struck her. "Wow, that's really cool." She said as he pointed out a piece of pottery on one of the many shelves. "Do you think it's real?" She asked, waiting until Clark's attention was completely focused on the dish before slipping out the door. She might not be getting her interview, but she wasn't going to leave empty handed. If Lex was going to blow her off then she was going to snoop. After all, she thought, fair's fair.

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Lex quickly made his way downstairs, all the while cursing his father's timing. Despite the fact that he didn't like the direction Chloe's line of questions was taking, he hadn't wanted to run out on the interview. But his departure surely made it seem as if he were doing just that. Of course Chloe's disappointment wasn't the only reason he was anxious.

Via his father's insistence, Lex had submitted himself to several drug tests while he'd been in Metropolis last week. And the only reason he could think his father would be calling was if the results of those tests had come back. Lex knew what the tests wouldn't show. They wouldn't show the recreational drugs his father was looking for. But he didn't know if they would detect the chemotherapy drugs that were coursing through his system.

He swept through his office, snatching his cordless phone before heading into the conservatory. He shut the door to the enclosed garden behind him, took a deep breath then connected himself with his father. "Dad." Lex called into the small phone. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" He asked.

"Now, Lex." Lionel replied smugly. "There's no reason to feign ignorance. We both know the reason I'm calling."

"Well, aren't you going to tell me the results?" Lex asked. "Come on, Dad, don't make me wait any longer. The suspense is killing me."

"I'm sure you're well aware of what the test results are." Lionel said.

Lex pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Then why are we having this conversation?"

"I want to run more tests." Lionel stated.

Lex scoffed. "No." He replied shortly.

"There is something going on with you, Lex. Now, you can either tell me what it is or I'll be forced to find out by my own means."

"No." Lex reiterated. "I've already subjected myself to the drug testing, which is more than I should have done in the first place. If you're not satisfied with what your doctors found that's your problem."

"What were trying to tell me back in December?" Lionel asked.

Lex could have laughed. But unfortunately the situation wasn't the slightest bit funny. "Nothing." He lied.

"Obviously it was something. Or you wouldn't have coerced me into meeting with you." Lionel retorted.

"The situation has already been taken care of." Lex told him. "So, there's no need to trouble yourself."

"Are you ill, Son?" Lionel asked, his tone containing what may have been concern.

Lex froze. He let his eyes fall closed and took a deep calming breath. He wanted to say 'yes.' And if his mother was still alive or if his father was anyone else he would have. He would have told his father everything. He would have gone home and cried on his father's shoulder and let himself be consoled, because this was by far the most trying experience he'd ever gone through. But something was stopping him from doing that. For some reason, whether it was the fear of showing weakness or the possible publicity, he felt the need to hide.

"Lex?" Lionel said, his voice cutting through his son's thoughts.

"No." Lex lied. "You know as well as I do, Dad, that tests I had done back in November showed that everything was normal."

"Hmm." Lionel grunted to show his disbelief. "I'm leaving for Monaco for a few weeks." He told Lex. "When I return we'll discuss this further."

"Sure, Dad." Lex replied. "Have a nice trip." And with that he disconnected the call. He stood there for a minute before letting himself slump down onto one of the benches that were scattered through the enclosed garden. He knew it wouldn't be long now before his father discovered the truth. And if he wanted to buy himself more time, he'd have to bury his medical records and Gabby's background. He only had a few weeks, a few weeks to decide how much he was willing to let his father find out.

Lex sighed as he pushed himself up off the bench. But he had no sooner stood up than a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. Panicked, Lex dropped the phone and raced back upstairs to where he'd left Chloe and Clark. Though, by the time he made up it to the third floor of the library, the room was empty. "Chloe!" He called as he made his way into the other hallway. "Clark!"

A breeze flooded the hall causing a chill to creep up his spine and he turned to see the broken window at the end of the corridor. A sense of dread washed over him, as he slowly made his way over to the shattered window.

He swallowed the lump in his throat before bracing his hands against the stone walls and peering down at the ground three stories below him. "Oh, God." He whispered as he took in the sight of Chloe's broken body. He watched as Clark appeared beside her, his trembling hand reaching out to touch her. "Clark!" He yelled to gain the boys attention. "Don't touch her! Whatever you do don't touch her!" Lex let out a small sigh of relief when he watched Clark back away from still form. "I'll be right down." He shouted. "Just don't let her move."

Lex quickly backed away from the window and made his way downstairs to Gabby's suite, all the while cursing at himself for leaving the phone in the conservatory. "Gabby!" He called as he entered her living room, where he found her sitting on the couch watching TV.

Gabby spun at the sound of her name, concern etched into her face. "What is it?"

"It's Chloe." Lex managed as he tried to catch his breath. "God, she fell out the window."

"Where is she?" Gabby demanded as she jumped up off the couch, going into her study to grab her stethoscope and car keys off her desk.

"She fell out of the library window on the west side of the house." Lex told her as he followed her downstairs. The two made their way down the hallway toward the front door. But Lex stopped outside his office, telling Gabby he was going to call 911.

After exiting the mansion, Gabby made her way quickly around to the west side of the house where she found Clark leaning over Chloe's limp body. "Let me look at her, Clark." She said as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She waited until Clark stood up and moved out of the way before kneeling down beside the girl. Gabby reached out and placed her two fingers on Chloe's wrist, checking for a pulse. She let out a small sigh of relief as she felt the strong rush of blood beneath her fingers before putting on her stethoscope and listening to the girl's breath sounds.

"How is she?" Lex asked, his sudden presence causing Clark to jump.

"She's got a strong pulse and good breath sounds." Gabby replied as she hung her stethoscope around her neck and retrieved her keys from her pocket. She took the small flashlight attached to her key chain and shined it in each of Chloe's eyes. "Her pupils are both fixed and dilated." She informed him.

Lex relayed the Gabby's diagnosis to the operator, who was on the other end of the phone. He watched as Gabby slid her hand slightly underneath Chloe's head to check for blood, but being careful not to move her.

"There's no sign of any external bleeding. Or at least none that I can see." Gabby told him. "But her left arm is most likely broken." She looked at the young girl lying crumpled on the grass before turning to Lex. "There isn't anything else I can do for her." She admitted. "Right now, she's stable. But I have no way of assessing what kind of internal injuries she has."

Lex nodded in understanding. "The ambulance should be here in a few minutes." He said as he attempted to process what had just happened. He was raking his mind over why Chloe had been in that hallway and how the hell she ended up going out the window. None of the alarms went off. His security was nowhere to be seen. He just couldn't understand it. He couldn't have been on the phone that long. None of it made sense, and he wasn't sure of how useful his only source of information would be at the time. "Clark?" Lex asked, trying to grab the boy's attention.

Clark reluctantly pulled his gaze away from Chloe and turned to Lex. "What happened, Lex?" Clark demanded.

Lex blinked, obviously taken back by the question. "I was hoping you could tell me, Clark?"

"The room was empty." Clark told him. "Empty! Then all of a sudden they just appeared out of nowhere. I mean, what kind of security to do you have anyway?"

"Clark," Lex interrupted. "What are you talking about? Who appeared out of nowhere?"

"These men." Clark accused. "In ski masks. They grabbed me before I knew what was happening. And I told Chloe to run." He paused, a sort of realization crossing his features. "God, it's my fault." He whispered. "I told her to run. She would have never gone out into that hallway if I hadn't told her to run."

"Clark." Lex reiterated. "This isn't your fault. It's." He paused as the sound of sirens could be heard in the distance. He let out a sigh that was a mixture of both relief and frustration. "I'll be right back." He told them before making his way to the front of the mansion, in order to flag down the paramedics.

It didn't take long before they had Chloe loaded into the back of the ambulance. "Did one of you want to ride in with us?" One of the medics asked.

"You go, Clark." Lex said.

"You sure?" Clark asked.

"Yes." Lex replied. "I'm going to call Gabe and talk to my security about getting a hold of the police. Then I'll come into the hospital."

Clark nodded, before he started to climb into the back of the ambulance. "Can you call my parents?" He asked.

Lex nodded his head then stepped back so the paramedics could close the door. He stood there beside Gabby and watched as the ambulance made it's way down the drive. When he could no longer see the flashing blue and red lights of the bus, he looked at Gabby. "I have some phone calls to make." He told her, before turning and going back into the house.

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Gabe chuckled as the Soup Nazi's cashier snatched up George's bag of soup and handed him his change. He had always enjoyed watching Seinfeld reruns after the news. He thought it was nice to have something so ridiculous after something so serious, especially in today's world. He sighed as the phone rang, interrupting his down time.

Gabe hoisted himself up off the couch and made his way over to the end table that sat beside the door. He frowned at the empty phone cradle and began searching the living room for the phone. He couldn't understand why it was so hard for his daughter to put the phone back on the hook when she was done. After the third ring, he grew a little frantic and began searching with more haste. He was about to sprint upstairs when the answering machine picked up.

"Hello, you've reached the Sullivan's. We aren't able to answer the phone at the moment, but if you leave your name, number...Geez, Dad; don't you think you could come up with something a little more original? Chloe, it's an answering machine message. I know, but that doesn't mean it has to be dull. Here, let me show you. Hey, it's the Sullivan's. Lord only knows what we're doing, but whatever it may be it's interfering with our ability to answer the phone. So leave a message, and if we feel like getting back to you we will. Of course that's only if you leave us a means of contact. Thanks! Wow, I don't know if that was long enough, Honey. Are you still holding down the button? Chloe!"

Gabe couldn't help but chuckle at their message. "Only my daughter." He muttered. However, his good humor quickly died at the sound of that voice.

"Gabe, it's Lex. Listen, there was an accident at the mansion." There was a pause before the recording continued. "Chloe was hurt. An ambulance is taking to her to the hospital right now. Clark's with her. I'm not sure..." Lex trailed off again, his uncertainty evident even over the phone. "I'm...just call if me if there's anything I can do. I have to go."

Gabe was out the door almost before Lex finished. He ran down the few steps that led up his porch, across the lawn, and climbed into his car. He sped out of his driveway and down the street all the while cursing Lex Luthor. He knew that nothing good could have come from Chloe associating with that man. He'd known it. Yet despite his better judgment, he'd allowed it. And now look what was happening. His daughter was being carried off Luthor's property in an ambulance.

"Calm down, Gabe." He told himself. "Don't go jumping to conclusions. It might not have been Lex's fault. You don't know what happened. And accidents can happen anytime to anyone." Gabe took a deep breath, as he tried to keep his concentration on the road.

It didn't take him long to reach the hospital. One of the benefits of living in a small town that he counted on his side. He walked quickly up to the nurses' station in the ER.

"May I help you?" One of the nurses asked.

"Yes, my name's Gabe Sullivan. My daughter was brought in not long ago."

Nurse nodded then said, "Alright, Sir. Why don't you go have a seat in the waiting room and a doctor will be out to speak with you shortly."

Gabe frowned as he looked back at the chairs. He didn't want to wait. He wanted somebody to talk to him now. Though, he knew that that wasn't going to happen. Therefore, he let out a sigh before going to find a seat.

As he entered the small room, he saw Clark sitting by himself, starring down at his shoes. Gabe walked over and sat down beside the boy, causing him to look up.

"Mr. Sullivan." Clark practically croaked. "I'm sorry."

Gabe reached out and patted the boys back. "I'm sure it wasn't your fault Clark." He reassured him. "But can you tell me what happened?"

Clark sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. "I don't know." He muttered. "We were just cleaning up our stuff when these guys just appeared out of nowhere. Two of them grabbed me, and the other went after Chloe. Then the next thing I know, they're gone and Chloe's been thrown out the window."

"Out the window?" Gabe asked, his fear and anger rising once again.

"Yeah, on the third floor." Clark told him.

"Where was Lex?" Gabe demanded.

"His father called." Clark explained. "So, he wasn't there."

"He wasn't even there." Gabe muttered, not sure if that fact made him even more or less angry with his boss. The man was supposed to watching over his child, not running off to talk to his father. Lex had neglected his duties as the responsible adult, and his daughter had been hurt because of it. Gabe let out a sigh. That wasn't fair, he thought. He couldn't very well blame Lex for doing something that he did himself. If he was honest, he didn't know where his daughter was or what she was doing half the time. And he was her father. So, he couldn't blame Lex for not wanting to speak with his father in front of Chloe and Clark.

At that moment Lex walked into the room. He quickly spotted them sitting there in the corner and made his way over, shutting off his cell phone as he did so. "Gabe," he said as he approached them. "I didn't know if you'd received my message or not."

Gabe starred at the man before him, unsure of what to say. A part of him just wanted to let Lex have it. He wanted to accuse him of letting his daughter get hurt. He wanted to yell about Luthors and how they kill everything that's good and righteous. But for some reason, all he could do was stare.

Lex cleared his throat, and tried not to shift under the scrutiny of Gabe's glare. "Gabe, I'm sorry." He said as he tried to make the man understand that he hadn't meant for this to happen. He waited for a response, but when none was forth coming, he bit his lip and shook his head. Yes, Gabe, he mused. Blame me. After all, it's not as if I don't already blame myself. Or that I ever tire of being held responsible for everything I have no control over. So why not just add to it and assume that I hired a bunch of thugs to attack my two friends and toss your daughter out a window. "Have you heard anything?" He asked, not daring to voice his thoughts.

Clark shook his head. "Not yet."

Lex nodded before shifting his gaze to the nurses' station. "Would you like me to speak with someone?" He asked.

"Just sit down, Lex." Gabe practically snapped. "You've done enough for tonight, don't you think?"

"Don't blame, Lex, Mr. Sullivan." Clark said. "He wasn't even there."

Lex couldn't help but wince at that. He knew that Clark was only trying to help. But his choice of words would probably do more damage than good. "Clark, it's ok." Lex assured him.

"No, it's not ok!" Gabe almost shouted, as he got to his feet. "She was in your house, Lex! Your house!"

"Gabe..." Lex tried to interject.

"No!" Gabe continued, as he pointed an accusatory finger at his boss. "I don't care if you had nothing to do with it! You were the adult, not her! And that makes you responsible!"

Lex looked down as he pursed his lips, resigning himself to the fact that he was the only guilty party in the eyes of Gabe Sullivan. "I'm not denying my part in all of this, Gabe." He said as he lifted his eyes. "But at least allow me the opportunity to try and fix it."

"You can't fix this, Lex." Gabe exclaimed. "It's up to the doctors now. And before you even suggest it, I want to make it clear that I don't want your money tainted hands interfering!"

Lex nodded. "Of course, Gabe." He replied.

Gabe gave his boss a hard look then sat back down in his chair as he muttered, "Arrogant little bastard."

"Perhaps it'd be better if I left." Lex said reluctantly. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay and offer Chloe and her father support. But his presence seemed to be causing Gabe more distress than anything else.

"Is that what you do Lex?" Gabe asked. "Run from your problems until your father makes them go away?"

Lex didn't bother to reply. He simply turned and started to make his way toward the exit. Though he stopped when he heard a doctor call out for Mr. Sullivan.

"I'm Mr. Sullivan." Gabe said, as he stood up to speak with the doctor.

"I'm Dr. Brummel." The man said. "I was one of the doctors that treated your daughter when she came in."

"Is she alright?" Clark asked.

"Well, she broke the large bone in her upper arm." Brummel said. "So, we set it so we could take her upstairs to run some tests."

"What kind of tests?" Gabe asked.

"Mr. Sullivan," Brummel began. "Your daughter hit her head pretty hard when she fell. As of now, we can tell that she has a severe concussion. But, we're going to need to run several tests, such as a head CT and a MRI, in order to determine the full extent of the damage."

"But she's going to be alright?" Clark asked again.

"Right now, we can't be sure." Brummel replied. "But we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we know anything for certain."

"Thank you." Gabe told the doctor.

Brummel nodded before he turned and headed back into the bowels of the hospital.

Gabe sighed before letting himself slump down into his chair. He rested his elbows on his knees and cradled his head in his hands. He couldn't believe this was happening. He couldn't believe his little girl was hurt. And so help him, if she didn't fully recover, he was going to have Lex Luthor's head on a plate.

"She'll be alright." Clark told the man sitting beside him, trying to force a belief into the statement that he didn't feel. "She's a fighter."

Gabe looked up and tried to give him a smile. "I hope you're right, Clark." He whispered. "I hope you're right."

Lex watched the scene play out before him from where he stood by the emergency room exit. He felt his stomach clench with a mixture of guilt and worry. He could understand Gabe's anger. Yet it still had cut him when Gabe had been so quick to accuse. Lex shook his head before heading out the door and towards his car. Gabe might not want it, but he wasn't going to just sit around and wait.

As he climbed into the driver's seat of his car, Lex pulled out his cell phone. He took a deep breath then hit the speed dial. Lex hated asking him for help, but he didn't think that his influence would be enough. The phone only rang twice before his father picked up.

"Lex, I'm surprised to hear from you so shortly after our last conversation." Lionel said.

"Believe me, Dad." Lex replied. "If I had another choice I wouldn't have bothered you."

Lionel sighed. "What have you done now, Lex?"

"Nothing." Lex assured him. "But I need your help with something."

Lionel chuckled. "If I recall correctly, Lex. You were very quick to inform me in our last conversation that there was nothing I had to worry about where you are concerned."

"I need you to send a team of Neurologists to Smallville." Lex told his father, ignoring his previous statement.

"I suppose you have adequate justification for such a request." Lionel said.

"The daughter of an employee fell out of a window at the mansion." Lex replied.

"Can you be held responsible in anyway?" Lionel asked.

"For negligence." Lex told him, stretching the truth ever so slightly. "Due to the fact that I was the supervising adult at the time." He paused for a moment then added, "Her parents will be placated if I agree to help with the girl's medical care."

There was a long stretch of silence as Lionel considered his answer. "Very well." He said. "You can have your Neurologists, Lex. However, I hope you realize that this isn't a favor. You will compensate for my help by allowing any tests I deem necessary to be run."

Lex pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt a headache building behind his eyes. He knew full well that his father wasn't referring to Chloe. And that it wouldn't do him any good to feign ignorance. "Alright, Dad." He told his father, unable to keep a hint of defeat in his voice. "However, I insist that you withhold any testing until you return from Monaco."

"Of course, Lex." Lionel said with a slight chuckle. "I wouldn't want to ruin my vacation by starting a new project just before I left."

"It's always nice to know my place amongst your priorities, Dad." Lex replied.

"Your Neurologists will be there in a few hours, Son." Lionel told him, his voice still tinged with amusement. And with that, he hung up.

Lex leaned back and sighed. He let his eyes fall shut as he sat there, taking in what he had just agreed to. The gig was officially up. He would tell his father about the cancer when he returned from his trip. He would let Lionel swoop in and take control, just like he had done when his mother got sick. He'd sacrificed his freedom to help Chloe. And no one would ever know.

TBC.